The ODFW trail cam picked up these wolf pups in the upper Deschutes area. ODFW trail cam picture
First outdoor item to report. I’ve been fishing in Alaska for two weeks. Sorry, not sorry. Enjoying the trip was priority #1. The weather wasn’t the best, but the fishing couldn’t have been much better. Adapting to the current Heatwave has not been fun after seeing one day of sunshine and a high of 60° on Prince of Wales Island.
Speaking of the Heatwave, it’s expected to continue through Sunday. Along with the heat we could very well see more lightning in the Cascades.
Tolo fire near Mt. Thielsen
Currently the Tolo Fire continues to burn near the Mount Thielsen Wilderness. It’s currently mapped at 36 acres in rough terrain. More manpower will be joining the Prineville Hot Shots, ten smoke jumpers, a heavy-lift helicopter and retardant planes. A dozer and two water pump units are also on the way to help to gain control of this fire.
Last night the dozer and crews on the ground encircled the fire, now the goal is to confine the fire and firm up the fire line while watching for spot fires.
The homeowners in the Two Rivers North development have been watching reports as they are located six miles from the fire. Probable cause is from lightning a few days ago.
Extreme fire danger in effect for high lakes area
The Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests have upgraded fire danger to extreme.
As for recreation, the coast has been a popular place to escape the heat. Salmon and bottom fishing has been good, with reports of tuna creeping in closer.
Up here in the Cascades near the Highway 58 corridor Odell Lake continues to be good for Kokanee. Being on the water at daybreak is crucial as the fishing gets tougher after the sun has been up for a while. Paulina Lake is also good for Kokanee.
In other news in the area. ODFW has confirmed by trail camera five wolf pups have joined the wolves often reported in the Crescent Lake and Upper Deschutes area. I’ve seen tracks in several areas near my home over the past couple of years and saw a pair run across my driveway early one morning in the winter of 2021. In my opinion, this doesn’t bode well for local mule deer and elk.
Be responsible when in the woods
Let’s hope for some relief from the heat. Follow the fire restriction rules. Carry water, shovel and a fire extinguisher when venturing outdoors.
The USFS crews have enough to deal with from lightning strikes. Man caused fires are preventable and severely tax the finite resources to fight fires across the west.
Wherever you go, enjoy the outdoors, stay hydrated and be safe with campfires where they are allowed.
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.
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